Paul Rudd is crowned! The new Sexiest Man Alive may be redefining "sexy"

New York, New York - The seemingly ageless Paul Rudd has surprisingly won the coveted title of People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive.

On Tuesday, People Magazine named Ant-Man star Paul Rudd as 2021's Sexiest Man Alive.
On Tuesday, People Magazine named Ant-Man star Paul Rudd as 2021's Sexiest Man Alive.  © Collage: IMAGO/Runway Manhattan & 123RF/alexandrmoroz

The New Jersey native has come a long way since his Clueless days.

Not only is he now a part of one of the biggest movie franchises to date, but he's also been dubbed 2021's "Sexiest Man Alive."

On Tuesday, People confirmed that the 52-year-old has now been crowned – though the actor is having a hard time accepting it.

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"I do have an awareness, enough to know that when people hear that I'd be picked for this, they would say, 'What?' This is not false humility. There are so many people that should get this before me," the star of the upcoming film Ghostbusters: Afterlife confessed in an exclusive interview with the outlet.

He isn't the only one that is a bit taken aback by the magazine's decision. Internet reactions to the accolade have varied from excitement to bewilderment.

When it comes to acting, it's evident that Paul has range. But in comparison to the previous Sexiest Men that came before him, the star doesn't exactly ooze the same sex appeal.

Paul Rudd gained international recognition following his debut as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man.
Paul Rudd gained international recognition following his debut as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man.  © Imago/Prod.Db

Is Paul Rudd redefining what "sexy"is?

Paul Rudd stars as teacher Chad Grooberson in the upcoming film, Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
Paul Rudd stars as teacher Chad Grooberson in the upcoming film, Ghostbusters: Afterlife.  © imago/Cinema Publishers Collection

The magazine's annual competition isn't exactly as important as the Oscars or the Grammys.

But since Mel Gibson's debut as the first star to receive the honor, it's become a significant trend in pop culture.

Initially, it was rumored that Paul's Marvel costar Chris Evans would be declared this year's Sexiest Man. And not to throw shade or take away from Paul's shining moment, but Evans may have been a more appropriate pick.

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In the past, A-list hunks like Richard Gere, Denzel Washington, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and Idris Elba have fittingly earned the honor. Not just because of their star status, but also their reputation for being the typical alluring "tall, dark, and handsome."

Now, no one can deny that Paul has the ingredients that make him an attractive man. Plus, he's humbly sweet, hard-working, and undeniably funny.

Yet, the Avengers alum doesn't have the sultry, seductive vibes most of his predecessors posses.

Perhaps his new leading roles in blockbuster franchises have a lot to do with the outlet's decision.

Though he has an extensive resume, the actor has gotten more international recognition recently as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in the MCU.

Or, has Paul simply redefined what "sexy" means?

The actor appears to drink from the fountain of youth, since he's looked the same for the past two decades. (Seriously, what's the guy's beauty secret?)

He also is one of the few actors to grab the title who is almost exclusively known for his work in comedies.

Nevertheless, he has graciously and modestly accepted this year's title and doesn't plan to take it for granted.

"I mean, I'm going to lean into it hard. I'm going to own this. I'm not going to try to be like, 'Oh, I'm so modest.' I'm getting business cards made," he further shared in the interview.

"But all of my friends will destroy me, and I expect them to. And that's why they're my friends."

The funnyman said he also hopes that now he will be invited to "sexy dinners" with the other past winners.

What a delicious and steamy dinner party that would be.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/Runway Manhattan & 123RF/alexandrmoroz

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